Diamonds »4 Cs of Diamonds »
To understand how the value
of diamonds is determined you need to know about the famous
4 Cs - cut, color, clarity and
carat-weight. It is the combination of these four characteristics that determines the value of a diamond. |
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Diamond Clarity
When diamonds were formed billions of years ago
under intense heat and pressure, traces of other
gemstones, minerals or gasses were often trapped
inside the diamond material as it cooled. These
elements may turn up as tiny specks or crystals that
may look like feathers or clouds inside a diamond.
These are called inclusions and are often referred to
as Nature's fingerprints or a diamond's birthmarks.
They are part of what makes each diamond
different and unique from the next.
The fewer and less visible these birthmarks are,
the more valuable a diamond will be. Clarity is also
measured by the GIA's grading scale, and the most
valuable and rare grade is F, or flawless. The
following chart illustrates the varying grades for
Clarity.
The Goldsmith Shop® offers a wide selection of
loose diamonds and Hearts On Fire diamonds.
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